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Monday, July 31, 2017

Hi everyone. I'm here today to tell you how I survived a strong desire to fussy cut a bunch of teeny tiny flowers from the Wildflowers paper for this scrapbooking layout.

Yep, I was immediately drawn to this paper containing all these beautiful wildflowers, including bluebonnets. That sure did make this Texas gal's heart happy. I just knew I had to "pick" each flower to use on my layout but there was no way was I going to attempt to cut them out by hand. No way, no how! Enter Silhouette PixScan...

I used the PixScan mat and my Silhouette CAMEO. I took a photo of the image, imported it into Silhouette software and traced each flower. I sent it to the cutter and within minutes, each flower was individually cut just like that!

Look at those delicate little flowers! At this point, I wasn't sure exactly how I'd use them because the stems were posing a problem. It would be weird to just place them scattered on the page.

Then it hit me! I used them to frame my photo. What a fun, eye-catching way to draw you in to the photo.

As I said, I decided to use them to create a frame around my photo (I used a 3" circle photo). To do this, I added tape adhesive to the back of my photo and randomly started placing the first layer of photos. Once I had the first layer, I was a bit more selective on choosing color placement and length of the flowers. I kept working at it until I liked what I saw. Then I adhered it to the page using foam dimension adhesive.

I added some wooden leaves behind the photo to add more weight to the right side after adding the title on the left.

I added additional clusters around the page, including the title, sub title and a flower box at the bottom to pull it all together.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Aloha everyone! While I may be back from our trip to Hawaii, I'm still living in vacay mode. I figured now would be a good time to get started on documenting the highlights of the trip. Why not start with this summertime at the beach mermaid scrapbook layout?

Be a mermaid & make waves | Mermaid scrapbook layout

My daughter loves everything mermaid, from fashion to her favorite television shows to documentaries so we gave her a mermaid tail a few years ago as a gift. She only swims with it when in the pool but we brought it along on the trip for a little play time.

Since the mermaid scrapbook layout was also about the beach, I wanted to incorporate some visuals in that theme - waves and mermaid scales.

Cut scallops from the Let's Float scallop paper to resemble mermaid scales as well as waves. I love the scallops on this paper because they aren't all shaped the same.

Starting at the bottom of the layout, overlap the scallop strips. Layer some more than others so it doesn't look too symmetrical. Then I added a patterned paper to the top half to resemble the beach. A thin paper strip at the seam helps give the page a more finished look.

Next, I added a frame around the photo, a card with hidden journaling tucked behind the photo and embellishments. I didn't want to add too much here because the lower half of the layout is quite busy. I used an anonymous quote I ran across as my title. For a great visual, I wrapped it around my photo and to the side. This also helped fill in some of the empty space on the page.

Last but not least, I added additional embellishments around the mermaid scrapbook layout to fulfill the visual triangle design principle. And of course, a fluffing of the scallops to finish it off.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Aloha everyone! I'm writing this blog post while on an amazing vacation in Hawaii. I wanted to create a beach tag mini album to document our activities as a gift to my family. The idea was to create a new page every day and add a small 2" x 3" photo of the day. The photos show the album without pictures since we are just beginning our vacation. I will be back home by the time you read this so join me on Instagram (@heatherleopard) to see it with photos included.

As you can see, I created a pineapple box to hold the beach tag mini album. The mini album is made using many tags, die cuts and stickers. So cool, so fun and so QUICK!

This project took a little planning ahead of time. I knew I wanted to give it to my family when I got to Hawaii but I didn't want it to get damaged en route to Hawaii. With that in mind, I cut the box bits and tags ahead of time. I knew I wanted to use my mobile printer that prints 2" x 3" photos so I made the tags large enough to hold the photos. I waited to put it together until I got there (super easy to pack since I left all the pieces flat!).

Pineapple gift box

I used a cut file from the Silhouette store. The pineapple leaves came in one size but I wanted them to better resemble a pineapple stalk so I cut three sizes and layered them over each other as shown.

Naturally I had to use the pineapple patterned paper to cover the base of the box that will hold the beach tag mini album.

Beach tag Mini album

I pre-cut each pattern in various-sized tags including everything from standard tags and leaves to scallop circles. I liked most of the Side A and Side B patterns so I ended up dividing many of the the tags for greater variety.

The die cuts and cardstock stickers are great for adding dimension and layers to the tags. Some of these will be tucked under the photos while others will go on top. In addition, I also added mini puffy stickers because they are just too cute.

Beach tag mini album assembly

The first tag I created was the cover. These are quite small so I had to keep it to a minimum. I started with a palm tree (and added a sun/puffy stickers later). Next, I included the location and year.

Here you can see the tags for the first half of the mini album. You can also see how I added the sun and puffy stickers to the cover tag. To make these, I sorted the larger tags in the order I wanted them and then I added the smaller accent tags. I finished them off with additional die cut shapes and stickers.

Below are the tags for the second half of the mini album.

Once they were all complete, I tied them together with a palm tree leaf. Some of these will hold photos while the others are perfect for journaling and holding items we may collect along the way. I may also add tickets and other items using a hole punch.

Ready for the memories

Once the palm leaf dries, it will become more sturdy. However... I may want to add in more tags or souvenirs, so a metal book ring or ribbon might be better suited for the job. That way, I can tie on the palm leaf to when I get home.

So there it is. This beach tag mini album was very fast to put together. It seems like it took me only about 30 minutes once all the pieces were cut so probably 45 - 60 minutes max. Simply cut the tags, embellish, add photos and journaling, you are done!

I can't wait to fill it up with details of our trip but I'm looking forward to creating memories with my family most of all.

Friday, July 7, 2017

Hi everyone. I am sharing a DIY Indoor Picnic Idea with you today. I don't know about you but I love picnics. We do them as a family all the time but they aren't always a normal picnic at the park. We also picnic in the front and back yard but what my girls really love to do is picnic in the house. We basically layout out blankets and/or towels in a room other than our dining room and there's just something really fun and special about it.

DIY Indoor Picnic

I surprise my girls with an indoor picnic every couple of months because sometimes it just seems like the fun thing to do. Just don't plan to do it on spaghetti night due to the fact that it can be a mess. While you can certainly use your normal dishes for an indoor picnic, I figured we should make it fun by creating a picnic caddy for the house. As a result, it's basically everything we need in one little package.

Create a picnic caddy

You can use a box or a crate for this, an upcycled fast food drink tote or almost anything you'd like. I had cardstock and my die cut machine therefore, I chose to make one out of paper.

This is great for utensils, condiments, straws, napkins, you name it. While it's not carrying anything especially heavy, it holds up pretty good. You probably don't want to load it up with drinks unless you really reinforce it.

Add some custom plates

I wanted to create custom plates so I bought clear plastic plates and lined them with patterned paper. Simply trace the center of the plate on your favorite patterned paper, cut it out and adhere it to the bottom with mod podge. NOTE: only apply the mod podge to the bottom of the plate. I'm pretty sure you don't want to eat from a mod podged plate since it probably has chemicals you may not want to ingest but maybe I'm wrong?!?!

Picnic themed invitation

Next, create a cute little apron card. I downloaded this one from the Silhouette store. Isn't the grill set cute?

This can be an invitation to the picnic, a menu (on the inside) or just a cute piece of decor in addition to whatever else you have planned.

Ready for the picnic

So there you have it... a fun DIY Indoor Picnic that's as cute as can be. Just add your favorite food & beverage and dine in style.

Monday, June 26, 2017

Hi everyone. I'm here today discuss my favorite topic - DIY Party Decor. Whether your planning a mini celebration or large scale with all your family and friends, these ideas are sure to create a SPARK this 4th of July!

The theme for this particular party is red, white and blue for Independence Day here in the USA but all you have to do with swap out colors and patterns and you have a recipe for success.

4th of July DIY Party Decor

Today's party details include a fun backdrop, table decor and oh so fun firecracker cupcakes because it's not a party without a "poppin" dessert!

4th of July Banner

It's always fun to create a fun backdrop, whether it's for your tablescape or a photo booth. Here's just one idea and what you'll need:

patterned paper

burlap

"USA" alphas - Thickers or die cut

To create this banner, cut two 2-inch red circles and five 2-inch blue circles, two 1.5-inch blue starbursts, five 1.5-inch red starbursts, seven 1-inch stars. Those will make up the "dividers" for the banners. Adhere them together as shown above.

For the USA, cut three 3-inch red circles and three 2.5-inch blue starbursts. Adhere the blue starburst over the red and add "USA" alphas. Using your sewing machine, stitch the banner together as you would garland, backing the "USA" bits with burlap triangles.

Firecracker Cupcakes

While you're baking up your favorite cupcakes, let's talk about how to make them POP! Here's what you'll need:

white icing

red, white, blue sprinkles

medium sized marshmallows

red candy melts

twizzlers or candles

patterned paper

First, determine how many cupcakes you'll have. Set aside one medium sized marshmallow for each cupcake. Also cut your twizzlers down to 3-inches and set aside. Dip each marshmallow in the red melted candy and immediately stick the twizzler in the top before the candy melt dries. Add white icing and sprinkles to your cupcakes. Add the red marshmallow firecracker to the top.

Create festive wrappers for your cupcakes. These just make it a bit more fun and decorative because they match the decor perfectly but you can also purchase fun wrappers.

You may consider adding additional decor. I added burlap and bows to the floral decor and cupcake stand and then I brought in additional elements, like wooden stars, United States cut-out, etc. to tie it all together!

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Hi everyone. I'm here with a Father's Day scrapbook layout and free Silhouette cut file. I realize Father's Day was last month but I also know you have been busy this summer and might finally be getting some scrappy time and hey, why not scrap those father celebration photos?!?!

Father's Day scrapbook layout tutorial

I used 8 different patterned papers plus some white cardstock (for the background and squares). Arrange them randomly in a diagonal across and down your page.

TIP: I laid squares out in my Silhouette software and then cut a template for them, as pictured above in blue. I placed the blue cutout over my white cardstock background. Then, I added dabs of glue inside the squares and placed the patterned paper squares.

Let dry completely before removing the template. This ensure the lines stay as even as possible.

If you'd like, add machine or hand stitching. I chose to do straight lines at a diagonal going both ways.

Next, add your photos. If you are using my template, I made it so you can use two 2"x2" photos and one 3"x3" photo.

Add your title right over the squares, between your photos. Next, add embellishments, such as cardstock stickers, puffy stickers, die cuts and more. Finish it off with journaling. I plan to add my journaling around the edge of the layout, or perhaps in the empty squares. I'm still debating. Another alternative is that you could also do one less photo and use one of the photo spaces for jouranaling.

Friday, June 2, 2017

Hello everyone, I'm here to share a quick gift idea: Mini Summer Traveler's Notebooks! Not only are mini summer traveler's notebooks a fun way to document your summer adventures, but they are so quick and easy, you'll want to make a lot!

Summer Traveler's Notebooks

We're taking a trip this summer with some friends, so I made mini summer traveler's notebooks as gifts to give to the kids using Pebbles' new summer line, Sunshiny Days.

I plan to take my little handheld printer to snap random shots and let them add them to the pages and add notes about their adventures. As I mentioned, these mini summer traveler's notebooks are very easy to make...let's take a look.

Start by cutting 4" x 6" covers. I chose to use the patterned paper with the journaling cards for a cute front and back cover.

Next, cut the inside pages using coordinating patterned paper or plain cardstock. Consider cutting them at varying sized to add a fun flair.

Also, cut them 1/2" smaller on the top and side so that they are 1/4" smaller around each edge.

After you've sorted your inserts in the order you want them, run them through your sewing machine and stitch right down the middle. Make sure they are all facing the right way up. Using the journaling cards with the divider lines makes this very easy to do!

Fold these in half. You may want to use a bone folder to get an extra crisp fold.

I used a supersized journaling card as the inside center card for my summer traveler's notebooks. This can be used for a summer bucket list, bullet list, end of summer storytelling, or whatever.

Decorate your Summer Traveler's Notebooks

Once you've assembled your mini summer traveler's notebooks, decorate the outside with stickers and embellishments. You may even wrap these up with stickers and embellishments for the recipient to add once they have their photos.

These only took about 45 minutes to whip up all 4 -- I wasn't kidding when I said these are a quick and easy gift idea! Thanks for stopping by the Pebbles' blog today!

This is my personal blog, where I share personal life events & crafts created by me, Heather Leopard. Below is a list of manufacturers/companies (in alphabetical order) I am currently working for, either as a designer and/or in a marketing capacity:

While I am compensated by these companies, either monetarily or in product, I always say what I truly think of their products. The views and opinions expressed here on my blog are solely my own. I will not recommend something that I don't personally use and enjoy. The projects found here on my blog, The Spotted Leopard, have been created using products I have purchased and/or products I have gotten for free. I am not required to disclose, on my blog, if the projects shown were created using products I received for free or if they were my personal purchases. If you have any questions, please contact me at heather@heatherleopard.com

All content (designs, photos/images, creative how-tos/instructions, etc.) posted on this blog are my original creations, unless otherwise noted. The content shared on this blog is for my personal use only and may not be re-posted, blogged, distributed or sold in any form without specific permission from Heather Leopard. Please respect my work and if it inspires you or your project, please give credit where credit is due by linking back to this blog. I don't mind if you copy my work for your own personal use because it inspired you, but please don't copy my work or anyone’s work for that matter, if you intend to publish it or claim it as your own. That’s just not cool and I’m sure you wouldn’t want it to happen to you either.